Foreigners who live in China are eligible to become an Olympic torchbearer candidate by applying online at this page. Part of the qualification process includes an online vote, so as well as getting a chance to carry the old Greek torch, you also get to enjoy a little bit that other great Greek invention, democracy.

Well maybe; the competition is democratic in the same way that village elections are — the rules state that 'the selection committee will determine the final eight Olympic torchbearers'.

Your correspondent is voting for the dashing Dan Brody, who told me about the news, but you can see the whole rogues' gallery of would-be torch bearers here.